We are saddened to learn that Nanjing Massacre survivor Xie Guiying passed away on the morning of May 15 at the age of 101.

Survived Three Near-Death Experiences

Xie Guiying was born in September 1924. In 1937, her family lived at No. 3 Zhalanmen, Xiaguan, Nanking. She recalled before she passed away: “Before the Japanese soldiers entered the city, my mother led my siblings and me to flee, leaving my father at home to look after the house. After the Japanese soldiers entered the city, my father was killed by them.”

After that, Xie Guiying’s mother struggled to support the children. Xie Guiying experienced three near-death escapes and had a clearly visible scar on her forehead. She cried and said, "These are the scars left from being dragged by the Japanese soldiers and hitting the stones back then."

Xie Guiying in her youth (second from the right in the top row) with her family.

Traveled to Japan in 2002 for a Nanjing Massacre Testimony Gathering

In 2002, Xie Guiying went to Japan to attend the Nanjing Massacre testimony gatherings held in several Japanese cities.

"That was my first time in Japan. I had once thought that I would never set foot on Japanese soil in my lifetime," the elderly person said. "On that trip to Japan, as soon as I got off the plane, I saw Matsuoka Tamaki. She accompanied me to various Japanese cities to give speeches, encouraging me to tell the Japanese people the truth about the Nanjing Massacre."

Second from the right is Xie Guiying.

Listened to the Radio to Follow National Affairs, Believing in "Always Looking Forward"

Under the pressure of life, Xie Guiying got married at the age of 16. When she was 24, her husband passed away due to illness, leaving behind two sons, aged 2 and 6. Xie Guiying had worked in a small restaurant, as a temporary worker in the neighborhood committee, and in the canteen of the People's Commune. She eventually retired from a garment factory.

Xie Guiying's niece said, "My aunt is cheerful and keeps pace with the times. She gets up at around 5 a.m. every day, loves listening to the radio, and pays attention to national affairs."

Having experienced great hardships in life, the elderly woman endured through the long years. She once said with a smile, "I have a good mindset, facing difficulties with strength, and always looking forward!"

She Said in Her Lifetime: "History Can Never Be Erased"

Xie Guiying frequently visited the memorial to participate in activities during her lifetime. She once said, "We should always remember that disastrous history."

On the Double Ninth Festival in 2022, the elderly woman attended the "Centenarian Banquet" event at the memorial. When she left the memorial, she was reluctant to go and said, "Beautiful ladies and handsome guys, thank you! I'll come again when I'm 100!"

In 2022, Xie Guiying left her handprint and signed at the "Centenarian Banquet" event.

In 2021, Xie Guiying participated in the “Memorial Activity for Families of Nanjing Massacre Victims.”

During her lifetime, the elderly woman felt the care and concern from all sectors of society. "Our country is becoming stronger and stronger, and life is getting better and better. We should thank the Communist Party." This was the phrase that the elderly woman often repeated.

Although Xie Guiying has passed away, her memory will be passed down from generation to generation. May she rest in peace!